Rake Pub & Grub off to successful start

     There’s a varied menu at the new Rake Pub & Grub most days, but on Fridays it’s barbeque ribs, according to owner Brian Hanson, a former Albert Lea, MN, mechanic who has traded in his tool tray for an apron and a job he says is “easier on me.”

     “I like it,” Hanson said. “It’s a lot of hours, but I was used to that.

     “There’s more conversation,” he adds.

     Business has been pretty steady since he opened at the beginning of December.

     “I can’t complain,” he said.

     The crowd is generally older than he anticipated, and he’s getting to know the clientele better day by day. He was familiar with the area since his Uncle Mel Brown lives near Bricelyn, MN.

     The bar and grill is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. or whenever the crowd clears out on Sunday.

     Hanson offers lunch specials which rotate every couple of weeks.